Boldin, Harvin traded as NFL free agency nears

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On the eve of NFL free agency, trades involving top receivers Anquan Boldin and Percy Harvin grabbed the headlines.

In an odd twist yesterday, Boldin went from the Ravens to the San Francisco 49ers, the team he helped Baltimore beat 34-31 in last month’s Super Bowl.

Harvin, who expressed his discontent in Minnesota, was sent to Seattle, where he will join former Vikings teammate Sidney Rice.

San Francisco acquired the 32-year-old Boldin for a sixth-round draft pick. Boldin, a star in Baltimore’s run to the Super Bowl title last season, must pass a physical to complete the deal.

“Anquan was a great receiver for myself and for our football team,” said quarterback Joe Flacco, who signed a six-year, $120.6 million deal with the Ravens last week. “It’s sad to see a guy like that go, but at the same time, you want what’s best for him and you just wish him the best of luck.

“Anquan was a big part of this football team, a big part of this offense. He’s one of the main reasons we won the Super Bowl this year.”

Boldin had six catches for 104 yards and a touchdown in the Super Bowl victory. He had said he’d consider retirement rather than leave Baltimore. But going to the NFC champions might change his mind.

“It’s a business, man. Those things are going to happen,” Ravens wide receiver Jacoby Jones said. “I wish Q the best. He’s always a Raven with me, and we got something they can’t take from us.”

Added fellow Baltimore receiver Torrey Smith: “It’s not so much about football when you lose someone like that, someone you love like a brother and would do anything for you.”

The 24-year-old Harvin, Minnesota’s moody and multi-talented receiver, will join the Seahawks for a package of draft picks that includes Seattle’s first-round selection next month, No. 25 overall. He also must pass a physical.

Minnesota will also get Seattle’s seventh-round pick this year and third-round selection in 2014.

League MVP Adrian Peterson was not thrilled over the news.

“The best all around player I ever seen or you’ll ever see! Goes to Seattle! I feel like I just got kicked in the stomach. Several times!!!” Peterson posted on Twitter.

Defensive tackle Kevin Williams, in an interview on SiriusXM satellite radio, expressed his concern, too.

“I mean, I can’t say I’m just happy about it. Who knows how much longer I have in Minnesota?” Williams said, adding: “I can’t tell you one receiver that’s on the team right now.”

Harvin was producing at an All-Pro level until badly spraining his left ankle last Nov. 4 in a game at Seattle. He was placed on injured reserve a month later. He led the NFL in total yards at the time of his injury.

Harvin, who also has suffered from migraines, will enter the fifth and final season of his rookie deal with a $2.9 million salary that’s well under market value – unless the Seahawks rework it.

Harvin first caused a stir June 19 when he expressed unspecified dissatisfaction with “some things” about the team. The next day, Harvin asked to be traded, only to quietly rescind the request and show up at training camp as if nothing had happened. Harvin clarified his feelings a bit after the season started by acknowledging a lack of understanding about his role in offensive coordinator Bill Musgrave’s scheme.

The Vikings lined him up all over the field, including as a running back, but to preserve his health they often limited his snaps and turns as a kickoff returner. Harvin was by far quarterback Christian Ponder’s favorite target, but the struggles of the passing attack that increased around midseason did not help Harvin’s mood. He was seen shouting at Coach Leslie Frazier on the sideline after one failed possession inside the 20-yard line in the last game he played for the Vikings. Ponder passed for only 63 yards in that game, a 30-20 loss, but the Vikings rallied behind Peterson’s record-setting performances to win their last four games and finish 10-6 for a spot in the playoffs.

News of the Boldin deal came shortly before several members of the Ravens, including Flacco and Jones, gathered to watch a screening of a DVD documenting Baltimore’s magical 2012 season.

Boldin and guard Bobbie Williams, whose contract was terminated last week, were featured prominently in the movie. Free agents Paul Kruger, Ed Reed and Dannell Ellerbe may also be gone by the time Baltimore begins training camp starts in July.

Before entering the theater, Ravens defensive end Arthur Jones said of losing Boldin: “That’s really unfortunate, but that’s part of the business. Right now we’re here to celebrate the time that we did have with him.”

A 10-year veteran, Boldin led Baltimore with 65 catches for 921 yards and four TDs in 2012. He was sensational in the postseason, totaling 16 receptions for 276 yards and three scores.

Boldin was also a strong voice in the locker room and a teacher to Smith, who will likely become Flacco’s top target in 2013.

“Definitely shocked,” Smith said of the deal. “You lose a great guy, a great leader. A mentor. All of that.”